DC Warns of Strict Action on PDS Irregularities, Purges 1.47 Lakh Ineligible Names

Jamshedpur: Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan warned that strict action would be initiated against any irregularities in ration distribution. He directed district and block-level officials to monitor the PDS network.

Administration Reviews Food Security Schemes

Officials conducted a comprehensive review of the National Food Security Act, the Jharkhand State Food Security Scheme, the Dakia Yojana for Primitive Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) families, pending ration card applications, doorstep delivery systems, salt distribution, and the Mukhyamantri Chana-Dal Distribution Scheme.

During the session, officials informed the chair that beneficiary verification and data purification work is progressing rapidly across East Singhbhum.

Massive Verification Drive Removes Ineligible Beneficiaries

The District Supply Officer reported that out of 22,975 cases involving suspicious identification details, the department has already removed 22,689 names.

Under the Ration Card Management System:

• Officials reviewed 16,399 cases, deleting 5,001 names.
• Verification confirmed 8,384 individuals as eligible.
• 3,014 cases remain pending.

The data purification drive also tackled inactive and duplicate accounts:

• Out of 1,64,237 inactive ration card cases, the department deleted 1,47,439 names.
• Out of 25,321 duplicate beneficiary cases, officials removed 14,417 names.
• Verification cleared 4,880 beneficiaries as eligible, while action continues on the remaining 6,024 cases.

The Deputy Commissioner instructed officials to expedite the disposal of pending cases. He also ordered them to identify individuals who have not collected rations for over a year so the system can include waiting, eligible families.

Delay in Dakia Yojana Draws DC’s Displeasure

While reviewing the Dakia Yojana, the Deputy Commissioner expressed strong displeasure over food grain distribution delays in parts of Patamda, Potka, and Golmuri-cum-Jugsalai blocks.

He emphasized that the scheme must ensure the timely delivery of food grains directly to Primitive Tribal Families. He warned that any negligence or complaints during field inspections would invite strict action against the responsible Block Supply Officers.

To rectify the timeline, he directed officials to ensure food grains reach beneficiaries by the 5th of every month instead of the 10th.

DC Orders Surprise Inspections and Rapid Complaint Disposal

The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to conduct regular surprise inspections of all Public Distribution Shops and take immediate action if they detect irregularities.

He also placed strong emphasis on the time-bound disposal of pending complaints on the PGMS portal and pending applications under the ERCMS framework at both DSO and BSO levels.

Focus on Warehouse Repairs and Supply Chain Strength

During the review of food grain storage and transportation, the administration focused on optimizing warehouse capacity and strengthening the supply chain to ensure uninterrupted distribution.

The DC instructed the Executive Engineer of the Building Construction Department to complete all pending warehouse repair works within the current month.